Eric Boggs
Five days after enduring the toughest night of his season, Christoph Tilly authored one of Ohio State’s most important performances of the year. With the Buckeyes’ NCAA Tournament hopes hanging in the balance, Tilly responded with authority, leading a balanced and locked-in Ohio State effort in an 82-62 road win over Maryland on Thursday night.
The victory pushed Ohio State to 15-7 overall and 7-5 in Big Ten play, a necessary step for a team firmly planted on the tournament bubble. With only one Quad 3 game left on the schedule, the Buckeyes could not afford a slip-up, and they played with that urgency from start to finish.
Tilly was at the center of everything. After going scoreless on 0-of-8 shooting at Wisconsin, the junior center flipped the script completely, scoring 19 points on an efficient 7-of-10 night from the field. He controlled the paint early, scored in transition, and punished Maryland whenever it left him space. Bruce Thornton complemented him with 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting, John Mobley Jr. added 15 behind five made three-pointers, and Taison Chatman continued his strong stretch with 10 points off the bench.
Ohio State established control in the first half with smart shot selection and disciplined ball security. The Buckeyes knocked down five of their nine three-point attempts and capitalized on Maryland turnovers to build separation. After an early tie, an 8-0 Ohio State run created breathing room, and every time the Terrapins threatened to claw back, Tilly or Mobley delivered a timely response. A late surge pushed the Buckeyes into halftime with a 12-point cushion that felt even larger given the flow of play.
The second half removed all doubt. Thornton dictated tempo early, scoring and creating as Ohio State extended its lead past 20. When Maryland briefly found rhythm from deep, Mobley answered with confidence, and Tilly added a momentum-killing steal and coast-to-coast finish. A quick Ohio State burst midway through the half effectively ended the contest, silencing the home crowd and allowing the Buckeyes to cruise through the final minutes.
Maryland never seriously threatened down the stretch, as Ohio State led by double figures for the final 21 minutes. Elijah Saunders’ 20-point effort stood out for the Terrapins, but it came in an otherwise one-sided night that reflected the gap between the two teams.
Beyond the standings impact, the win carried added significance for individual milestones and confidence. Thornton surpassed 1,900 career points, Tilly continued a quietly impressive season as a passing big man, and Chatman once again proved he can be a reliable scoring option off the bench.
Ohio State now turns its attention to a marquee rematch with No. 3 Michigan, this time inside the Schottenstein Center. After falling in Ann Arbor last month, the Buckeyes will have a chance to pair momentum with opportunity as they continue fighting for their place in March.
